PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Ahead of the holy month of Ramadan 1446 H, the Bandung City Government (Pemkot) held a Gathering of Ulama and Umaro at the Pendopo of Bandung City, Wednesday (26/2/2025).

The solemn event carried the theme "With Ramadan, Make Bandung a Friendly, Safe, and Religious City Towards Bandung Utama."

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan, who was attending a regional head retreat in Magelang, gave a speech via teleconference. Farhan said that collaboration between ulama and umaro is very important in building a society that is prosperous spiritually and socially.

"Ulama and umaro are two important pillars in the life of society. Ulama maintain morals and ethics, while umaro ensure the continuity of a just government. With the synergy of the two, Bandung can become a city that is advanced and still upholds religious values," he said.

As a concrete manifestation of this commitment, the Bandung City Government has launched several religious programs that will begin in the upcoming month of Ramadan. Some of these programs include:

1. Movement to Eradicate Al-Quran Illiteracy in 30 sub-districts.
2. Establishment of the House of Tahfidz and Tahsin Al-Qur'an.
3. Training to improve the quality of preachers.
4. Continue certification of land for places of worship.
5. Optimization of zakat, infak, and alms for the welfare of society.
6. Ramadan Safari in 30 sub-districts and Tarawih Keliling in 6 sub-districts.
7. Addition of Tolerance Villages.

Farhan hopes that these programs can further strengthen religious values in the city of Bandung and bring prosperity to the community.

Approaching the holy month of Ramadan 1446 H, Farhan also invited all residents to make Bandung a comfortable city for worship and seeking halal sustenance.

"We want to ensure that during Ramadan, the city of Bandung remains conducive, safe, and provides comfort for the community in carrying out worship," he said.

In addition to religious programs, Farhan also mentioned the importance of the role of religious leaders and community leaders in overcoming the waste problem in the city of Bandung.

He believes that support from religious leaders can raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness.

"We all believe that with high awareness, we can manage waste well, prevent flooding, keep the environment healthy, and avoid various diseases caused by poor sanitation. This is all for the benefit of Bandung City residents," he said.

At the end of his speech, Farhan expressed his hope that Bandung City would remain a safe, comfortable, and religious city. He also wished all Bandung residents a happy fasting month.

"Thank you to the ulama who have become role models in everyday life and created an atmosphere in the city of Bandung that is safe, orderly, conducive and tolerant. Welcome to the holy month of Ramadan, may we all be given strength and sincerity in carrying out this worship," he said.

Deputy Mayor of Bandung Erwin, who was present in person at the Pendopo of Bandung City, revealed the synergy of the four pillars in creating a peaceful and prosperous city, namely the knowledge of the ulama, just leaders, the generosity of the rich, and the prayers of the poor.

"If these four pillars unite, Bandung will become a better city," he said.

Erwin said that clerics play a role in maintaining order and calm in society, including supporting waste management programs and controlling inflation.

The gathering began with congregational Asr prayers and was attended by 1,250 participants. They included elements of Forkopimda, Acting Regional Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs, MUI administrators, heads of regional apparatuses, sub-district heads, and religious and community leaders.

The event was also filled with a sermon by the Chairman of the Bandung City MUI, KH. Miftah Farid, who reminded the importance of maintaining unity and the spirit of worship during Ramadan.

This gathering of ulama and umaro is expected to be a good start in welcoming Ramadan with full blessings. Bandung is ready to become a friendlier, safer, and more religious city for the realization of Bandung Utama.